Women’s basketball had their season opener on Saturday where they beat The College of Staten Island, 68-57.

New Haven played a solid first quarter of basketball with a handful of players pitching in. During the final seconds of the quarter, junior Brie Pergola knocked down a three-pointer, her only one of the afternoon, to give the Chargers a 20-18 lead.

The Chargers struggled in the second quarter with foul trouble, but freshman Aurora Deshaies stepped up big time for the Chargers, witheight of the 12 points in the quarter for the Chargers.

Fresh out of halftime, New Haven came out swinging and went on an 11-2 run to start the third quarter. Pergola had a pair of steals in the quarter, which helped the Chargers extend their lead. After Staten Island closed the lead to five, New Haven went on a 12-0 run, leading to a 56-42 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Deshaies added another nine points in the third quarter.

With momentum on their side, New Haven continued their hot streak, and started the fourth quarter with an 8-0 run. Junior Bionca Chambers had five points during the run. Staten Island also went on a brief run, scoring 13 of the final 17 points of the game, but New Haven was able to hold on to secure the win.

Deshaies finished with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and a steal to start her career as a Charger. Senior Micah Wormack started her final season of play with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and she added a block and a steal in the win. Pergola led the Chargers with 35 minutes played on the day, basically never leaving the court.

She had 8 points, and 6 assists; but as important as Pergola was on the offensive end, the defensive side of the ball is where she shined. She racked up 8 rebounds and an impressive 6 steals on the day.

Women’s basketball will next play against Bridgeport University at 6:30 pm Saturday at Charger Gymnasium.